Topical Encyclopedia The concept of "happen" in the Bible often relates to the unfolding of events, occurrences, or incidents that are perceived as part of God's divine plan or as a result of human actions. The Bible presents a worldview where nothing occurs outside the sovereign will of God, and every event has a purpose within His divine providence.Divine Providence and Sovereignty The Bible frequently emphasizes that God is in control of all events, both great and small. In Proverbs 16:33, it is written, "The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD." This verse illustrates the belief that even seemingly random events are under God's sovereign control. Similarly, in Matthew 10:29-31, Jesus teaches that not even a sparrow falls to the ground apart from the Father's will, highlighting God's intimate involvement in the details of life. Human Responsibility and Free Will While God's sovereignty is a central theme, the Bible also acknowledges human responsibility and the role of free will in the unfolding of events. In Deuteronomy 30:19, Moses sets before the Israelites the choice between life and death, blessing and curse, urging them to choose life. This passage underscores the belief that human choices have real consequences and that individuals are accountable for their actions. The Mystery of God's Ways The Bible acknowledges that the ways of God are often beyond human understanding. In Ecclesiastes 11:5, it states, "As you do not know the path of the wind, or how the bones are formed in a mother's womb, so you cannot understand the work of God, the Maker of all things." This verse reflects the mystery surrounding God's governance of the world and the events that happen within it. Examples of Events in Scripture Throughout the Bible, numerous events are depicted as part of God's plan. The account of Joseph in Genesis 37-50 is a prime example. Despite being sold into slavery by his brothers, Joseph later rises to a position of power in Egypt. In Genesis 50:20, Joseph tells his brothers, "As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." This narrative illustrates how God can use human actions, even those meant for harm, to fulfill His purposes. The Role of Prayer Prayer is presented in the Bible as a means through which believers can seek God's intervention in the events of life. In James 5:16, it is written, "The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail." This suggests that while God is sovereign, He invites His people to participate in His plans through prayer, which can influence the course of events. Trust in God's Plan Believers are encouraged to trust in God's plan, even when circumstances are difficult or confusing. Romans 8:28 assures, "And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose." This verse provides comfort and assurance that, regardless of what happens, God is working for the ultimate good of His people. In summary, the Bible presents a view of events as being under the sovereign control of God, with human actions playing a significant role within His divine plan. While the reasons behind certain occurrences may remain a mystery, believers are called to trust in God's wisdom and goodness. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. i.) To come by chance; to come without previous expectation; to fall out.2. (v. i.) To take place; to occur. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia HAPPENhap'-'-n (qarah; sumbaino): "Happen" (from "hap"), "to fall out," "befall," etc., "come to anyone," is the translation of qarah, "to meet," etc. (1 Samuel 28:10, "There shall no punishment happen to thee," the Revised Version margin "guilt come upon thee"; 2 Samuel 1:6 Esther 4:7 Ecclesiastes 2:14, 15; Ecclesiastes 9:11 Isaiah 41:22); of qara', "to meet," "cause to happen," etc. (2 Samuel 20:1); of hayah, "to be" (1 Samuel 6:9, "It was a chance that happened to us"); of nagha', "to touch," "to come to" (Ecclesiastes 8:14 bis). In the New Testament it is in several instances the translation of sumbaino, "to go" or "come up together" "to happen" (Mark 10:32 Luke 24:14 Acts 3:10 1 Corinthians 10:11 1 Peter 4:12 2 Peter 2:22); once of ginomai, "to become," "to happen" (Romans 11:25, the Revised Version (British and American), "befallen"). "Happeneth" occurs (Ecclesiastes 2:15, as it happeneth to the fool" (miqreh); APC 2Esdras 10:6 Baruch 3:10 (ti estin)). The Revised Version (British and American) supplies "that happened" for "were done" (Luke 24:35). Greek 5177. tugchano -- to hit, hit upon, meet, happen ... to hit, hit upon, meet, happen. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: tugchano Phonetic Spelling: (toong-khan'-o) Short Definition: I obtain, I happen, perhaps ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5177.htm - 8k 1096. ginomai -- to come into being, to happen, to become 4266. proginomai -- to happen before 3909. paratugchano -- to happen to be near or present 4819. sumbaino -- to come together, ie (of events) to come to pass 4795. sugkuria -- chance 3195. mello -- to be about to 4876. sunantao -- to meet with, hence to befall 1510. eimi -- I exist, I am 2569. kalopoieo -- to do well Strong's Hebrew 7122. qara -- to encounter, befall... befall NASB Word Usage against (16), befall (4), befallen (2), came (1), chance (1), come (1), down* (1), encounter (2), engage (1), event* (1), happen to come ... /hebrew/7122.htm - 6k 579. anah -- to be opportune, to meet, encounter opportunely 1961. hayah -- to fall out, come to pass, become, be 5060. naga -- to touch, reach, strike 7136. qarah -- to encounter, meet, befall 7136a. qarah -- to encounter, meet, befall 4745. miqreh -- accident, chance, fortune 6293. paga -- to meet, encounter, reach 4291. meta -- to reach, attain 6213a. asah -- do, make Library Whether the Resurrection Will Happen Suddenly or by Degrees? Argument: Moreover, what Will Happen to the Christians Themselves ... Whether Anything Can Happen Outside the Order of the Divine ... Whether Passive Scandal May Happen Even to the Perfect? Bishop Hosius Said: if it Happen that in a Province in which There ... Petilianus Said: "But if it Should So Happen... The History of the Spurious Alexander. Archelaus is Banished and ... That we must Never Murmur, but Bless God Concerning all Things ... What Solomon, in the Book of Ecclesiastes, Says Regarding the ... What we Should Believe Concerning the Transformations which Seem ... Thesaurus Happen (328 Occurrences)...HAPPEN. hap'-'-n (qarah; sumbaino): "Happen" (from "hap"), "to fall out," "befall," etc., "come to anyone," is the translation of qarah, "to meet," etc. ... /h/happen.htm - 8k Wars (24 Occurrences) Frightened (38 Occurrences) Prophesies (17 Occurrences) Befall (25 Occurrences) Gog (12 Occurrences) Latter (91 Occurrences) Hereafter (23 Occurrences) Occur (13 Occurrences) Punish (84 Occurrences) Resources Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people? | GotQuestions.orgWhy does God allow good things to happen to bad people? | GotQuestions.org What will happen when Jesus returns / comes back? | GotQuestions.org Happen: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Happen (328 Occurrences)Happen is found 328 times in 12 translations. You can narrow your search using the Advanced Bible Search. Subtopics Related Terms |
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